Avalon gets spooky fast. I love the way this audio headset setup keeps every whisper of history clear, even when you’re walking and passing through crowds. I also like the local historian angle, so the ghost stories sit on real island details, not just jump-scares.

One heads-up: this is not a kid-only ghost story show. The tales can include some gnarly, gore-leaning details, and the spook level is more “creepy and unsettling” than “cute.”

You’ll meet near Clarissa Ave in Avalon, walk for about 1 hour 30 minutes, and end at the Casino’s front entryway. Bring comfy shoes and a light jacket, and you’ll be set for an easy, structured evening stroll.

Key things to know before you go

• Audio headsets included so you don’t miss details while moving and stopping.
• A local historian leads the stories, mixing Avalon history with paranormal accounts.
• Catalina Island Casino is the big anchor stop, starting right at the Grand Entryway.
• Smallish group size (up to 40) helps keep the tour feeling personal.
• Good for most walkers, but plan on a true walking tour of about 1.5 hours.

Avalon at 7:00 pm, with ghost stories that feel grounded

This is a walking ghost tour of Avalon on Catalina Island, built around a simple idea: you learn the island’s past while you move through the places where people swear strange things happened. The timing matters. A 7:00 pm start keeps it in the evening window, so you’ll be in that “everything’s a little different at night” mood.

What makes it more fun than a typical scare-fest is the pairing of story and context. The tour is led by a local historian, so you’re getting timelines, personal accounts, and place-based explanations as you walk. It’s the kind of format that keeps you listening, not just hearing.

And because the tour provides audio headsets, you’re not stuck craning your neck the whole time. You can listen while you walk, and you can still ask questions when the guide pauses.

Price and what you actually get for $40

At $40 per person, you’re paying for a guided evening with a set route, a live storyteller, and included audio headsets. You’re not paying for admission into the Casino building during the tour stop, but you are getting a guided look at the Casino’s Grand Entryway area and the stories tied to it.

I think this pricing makes sense if you’re the type of traveler who likes curated “things to notice” on a short trip. It’s also a solid value for Catalina because Avalon can feel like you’re either biking around on your own or spending your whole evening in restaurants and bars. This gives you a planned activity that doesn’t require extra reservations once you’re there.

If you hate walking, though, this is still a walking tour. You’ll be on your feet for roughly 1.5 hours, with stops along the way.

Meeting at 121 Clarissa Ave and ending at the Casino steps

The meeting point is 121 Clarissa Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, and the tour starts at 7:00 pm. The tour ends at the front entryway to the Casino on 1 Casino Way.

That end point is genuinely useful. The Casino area is a natural “hub” in Avalon. After the tour, you can keep your night going nearby without doing extra navigating or figuring out where your route leaves you.

The tour also runs with a mobile ticket, and it notes that it’s near public transportation. Service animals are allowed as well, which is helpful if you’re traveling with a companion animal.

Stop 1: Catalina Island Casino’s Grand Entryway (and why it matters)

The tour’s first stop is the Catalina Island Casino, where you gather in the Grand Entryway to hear the stories tied to the building. This is scheduled for about 10 minutes, and it’s important to know the tour does not include Casino admission.

Why this stop is a smart choice: it sets a tone right away. The Casino is a big recognizable landmark in Avalon, so you instantly anchor the ghost tales to a place you can picture. You’re not just being told creepy stuff in an abstract way. You’re standing at a specific spot and learning what people connect to it.

A short stop like this also keeps the energy moving. You’ll get your first dose of spooky history, then head back into the streets with the guide’s narration continuing through other Avalon sites and stories.

The local historian factor: how you’ll get more than scares

A key promise here is an insider perspective from a local historian. That tends to change what you remember after the tour. Instead of only remembering spooky moments, you also walk away with facts about island timelines and historic context.

Guides leading the tour have been called out by name in the past—Jess and Oliver show up often in feedback as particularly entertaining and accommodating. John also gets mentioned for being responsive to questions, and Chuck is referenced as having a stronger or weaker experience depending on the storyteller and group flow. In other words, the tour experience is very tied to the guide’s storytelling style.

Still, the format helps: you’re doing an hour and a half walking route, with the guide sharing personal ghostly tales and historical references as you go. Audio headsets help keep you with the group rather than lagging behind.

Audio headsets: the small tech detail that upgrades everything

This tour includes audio headsets, which might sound like a gimmick until you try a live walking talk without them. Here’s what it changes for you in real life: you can hear the guide clearly while you’re moving, and you don’t have to guess what you missed when you step aside for a photo.

The audio setup also helps with group dynamics. Since there can be up to 40 people, the headset system reduces the problem of one loud voice trying to compete with street noise and crowd noise. It’s also useful if you like taking short breaks. You can pause, listen, and catch up without falling behind.

It’s also one of the best “value signals” on a tour like this. If they spend money on headsets, they’re trying to deliver the story cleanly, not just hope you stand close enough.

What the Avalon ghost stories are like (and who should think twice)

Expect a mix of paranormal hotspots, historic sites, and personal ghostly stories. You may even hear about unexplained moments captured on camera—basically, the tour leans into the idea that Avalon’s hauntings aren’t only in the past.

The tone is spooky and creepy, not polished and silly. Some stories can include gore-leaning details. That doesn’t mean it’s constantly graphic, but it’s enough that I’d treat this as an adult-first or teen-appropriate activity unless your group is comfortable with darker storytelling.

You can also take note of a practical point: one person’s version of scary is another person’s version of fun. If you’re chasing jump-scares, you might feel like it’s more of a creepy stroll with history than a horror movie.

How to handle the walking portion without killing the mood

You’ll want comfortable walking shoes. The tour is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it’s an “on your feet” evening, not a sit-and-watch show.

A light jacket is also a good call. Avalon evenings can shift with wind and temperature, especially when you’re away from indoor warmth. If you’re sensitive to cool air, that small comfort tip can make the difference between enjoying the stories and thinking about your discomfort.

One more mindset shift helps: try to slow down with the group. The best ghost tours are partly about noticing small cues—signage, architecture, and the way a place feels when you’re listening closely. The audio headset makes it easier, but your attention is still what brings the story to life.

Who should book Haunted Catalina, and who might skip it

This is a great fit if you want an easy, guided way to see Avalon beyond the main attractions. I’d book it if you like:

• short structured evening plans
• spooky stories with historical context
• hearing a guide answer questions in real time
• not missing details thanks to headset audio

It’s also a good “first night in Avalon” activity because it ends near the Casino area. You’ll have a better sense of the town layout after, which makes the rest of your evening smoother.

I’d think twice if you’re traveling with kids who can’t handle graphic details, or if your idea of a ghost tour is strictly supernatural thrills. And if you’re extremely sensitive to unsettling stories, you may find the content heavier than you expect.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a fun, structured ghost walk that combines audio clarity with local storytelling, anchored by a real landmark stop at the Catalina Island Casino. At $40 for about 1.5 hours, it’s a fair trade for a guided night activity that keeps you moving and learning instead of just wandering.

Skip it if gore-leaning details would ruin the vibe for your group, or if you’re hoping for a fully dark, horror-movie experience. If you’re on the fence, treat it like this: this is a calm-to-creepy guided walk with strong storytelling—perfect for travelers who enjoy atmosphere and facts more than chaos.

FAQ

What is the price of the Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour?

It costs $40.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 121 Clarissa Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, and ends at the front entryway to the Catalina Casino at 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 pm.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a local historian-led walking experience, audio headsets, and a mobile ticket.

Is admission to the Catalina Island Casino included?

No. The stop at the Casino’s Grand Entryway notes that admission ticket is not included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.